Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith (knee) is probable for Monday's game against the Utah Jazz due to left knee effusion. After missing one game due to the injury, the 24-year-old returned on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets, posting five points, five rebounds, and a block in just 14 minutes. Currently, Smith is delivering solid production with averages of 10.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, while playing only 13.8 minutes per contest. As the backup center to Nikola Vucevic, he is expected to continue providing valuable depth in that role.

Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (glute) is listed as questionable for Monday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After missing four games, Miller made a strong return on Saturday against the Celtics, contributing 16 points, six assists, four rebounds, two steals, and a block. His 31 minutes of play in that game suggest he is in good health, but his status is certainly worth monitoring since he's listed as questionable. At just 21 years old, fantasy managers are hopeful that he will remain healthy and continue to grow and improve throughout the season.

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (knee) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the New York Knicks. The team has been cautious with his return following right knee surgery, but he has seen action in two games thus far. In those appearances, the 31-year-old has averaged just 12.0 minutes, contributing 3.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. Adams is expected to offer depth behind star center Alperen Sengun when fully integrated into the rotation.

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (knee/calf) is probable for Monday's game against the Toronto Raptors. He is expected to play despite dealing with a couple of minor injuries. With Jamal Murray sidelined due to a concussion and concerns about the team's depth, Gordon's playmaking skills will be vital for the Nuggets. This season, he has been a key contributor, averaging 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 25-year-old was initially questionable but will be sidelined as he manages a left plantar fascia strain sustained in the second quarter of Sunday's loss to Dallas. The big man is also dealing with ongoing right knee tendinitis, adding to his challenges. Fortunately for Orlando, Goga Bitadze (foot) has been cleared to play and should help fill the gap. Carter Jr. has been a solid fantasy contributor this season, averaging 8.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 26 minutes per game, and managers will be hoping for a quick return.

Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (foot) is set to play on Monday against the Oklahoma City Thunder after missing the last five games. With Wendell Carter Jr. sidelined due to a foot injury, Bitadze's return comes at a crucial time for the Magic. Although Bitadze will be available, Moritz Wagner is likely to handle the majority of the minutes at center. The Magic, sitting at a 3-4 record, will need all available bodies as they navigate the absence of star forward Paolo Banchero. Bitadze could be a valuable addition for fantasy managers looking for frontcourt depth.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) is officially questionable for Monday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. The talented forward missed Sunday's game, and his status for Monday remains uncertain. If he sits out again, players like Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Jamal Cain could see increased minutes. Fantasy managers are hoping for consistent health from Williamson this season, as he's been a strong contributor when on the court, averaging 21.4 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (left adductor strain) is expected to be available for Monday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 31-year-old went scoreless in Saturday's loss to Cleveland, and while the strain may impact his performance, he's anticipated to push through it. Through six games this season, Connaughton has provided 3.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game off the Bucks' bench.

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Josh Giddey (illness) popped up on the team's injury report early Monday afternoon with a non-COVID illness. At the moment, he's listed as probable, so they're expecting him to still suit up. His status should be monitored though in case he doesn't feel well when it gets closer to tip-off. If Giddey has to watch from the sidelines, Coby White will likely get some more on-ball duties while Ayo Dosunmu could move into the starting five.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) will miss another game as he rehabs from ankle surgery in the off-season. This doesn't come as surprising news as there haven't been many updates on his injury status in practice lately. While he remains out, Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince continue to see big minutes with the starting five. The Bucks fell to 1-5 to start the year though, so they'll be looking forward to inserting Middleton into the lineup when he's ready.

Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) still doesn't seem ready to take the court after suffering a pelvic injury in the season opener. On Monday, and before their last game, Quickley is considered doubtful to re-join the team. Fantasy managers can continue to go with their plan B. Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, and Davion Mitchell have all been solid streaming options, but the former two have been better in shallower leagues.

Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (illness) left the team's shootaround session early on Monday and is still considered questionable for the game against the Miami Heat. He was forced to watch from the sidelines during their last game against the Raptors, and it seems that he's not fully recovered from his illness just yet. If he has to remain sidelined for another game, Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, and Doug McDermott will all see added opportunities.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Austin Reaves (ankle) is expected to play on Monday against the Detroit Pistons despite being listed with a sprained ankle. The 26-year-old hasn't missed a game yet this year and has provided a high-quality scoring punch from the wing. He's a starter in any fantasy format as he's averaging 17.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.2 threes per game to start the year. Since he's expected to suit up, he should remain a fantasy starter.

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (foot) has received a probable tag on Monday and should be able to suit up against the Detroit Pistons. The veteran combo guard was listed with a right foot contusion which seems like it's not too severe to keep him off the floor. He'll continue in his starting spot along with the usual starting five as Austin Reaves (ankle) and Anthony Davis (hip) are also considered probable. Russell has been a solid option for points, assists, and threes in category leagues.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) is still dealing with lower back spasms and has received a questionable tag ahead of Monday's tip-off with the Chicago Bulls. The star wing has missed the team's last two contests, so getting him back into the lineup would do wonders for their chances to grab a win. Markkanen has dealt with a lot of injury issues over the last few seasons and the Jazz haven't rushed him back, so he could miss another game to err on the cautious side. If he doesn't suit up, John Collins and Kyle Filipowski will see added minutes.

Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (back) will have to miss his fourth game in a row while dealing with a strained lower back. The two-way guard experienced a lot of back issues last season with the 76ers, and it caused him to miss more games than he played. Hopefully, the strain isn't too severe and he can return to the court soon. In the meantime, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield have seen added opportunities. If Stephen Curry (ankle) returns, however, they wouldn't be the strongest streaming candidates.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (groin) has been ruled out for a third consecutive game as he continues to deal with a right groin strain. There hasn't been a firm timetable for his return and the Wizards likely won't rush him back as they give some of their younger prospects extended time on the court. Alexandre Sarr has spent some extra time with the starting five along with Bilal Coulibaly and Marvin Bagley III has seen a few opportunities off of the bench. The former two have served as better streaming options.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Caris LeVert (knee) is suffering from some knee soreness which has made him questionable to go up against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. The 30-year-old missed the team's last matchup with the Bucks for the same reason, so it's unclear if he'll be able to give it a go or not at the moment. If he's unable to suit up again, Isaac Okoro should see extended minutes off of the bench along with Sam Merrill.

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (back) is expected to play on Monday against the Washington Wizards. The veteran wing has received a probable status while dealing with a lower back strain that kept him out of two games. He was, however, able to play 31 minutes in their last contest against the Houston Rockets. If Stephen Curry (ankle) doesn't suit up, Wiggins will likely take on a bigger offensive workload again.

Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (concussion) is listed as out for Monday night's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. Murray sustained a concussion in Friday night's playoff rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves and missed Saturday night's game against the Utah Jazz. With Murray going through concussion protocol, it wouldn't be surprising to see him miss more time to allow a proper amount of time to heal. In his absence, expect the Nuggets to start veteran Russell Westbrook in his place. Westbrook has gotten off to a rocky start with Denver, scoring more than six points just twice this season. Westbrook could be a decent fantasy option for those looking for help with assists, but in most formats he will not be a reliable option until proven otherwise.